The Complete Guide to God of War Standard vs Digital Deluxe Editions

Hey friend! With God of War Ragnarok finally arriving after years of eager anticipation, you‘re probably wondering what is the difference between the Standard and Digital Deluxe editions? I‘ve got you covered. As an avid gamer and entertainment data analyst, I‘ve closely studied both versions to see which is the better buy.

In this detailed guide just for you, I‘ll compare what‘s included, examine if the upgrades are worth it, and provide some handy tips to help decide the perfect edition for your budget and gaming needs.

Comparing the God of War Editions

First, let‘s outline what you get with each version:

The Standard Edition ($59.99) includes:

• The full God of War Ragnarok game for PS4 or PS5
• Pre-order bonus items like armor for Kratos and Atreus

The Digital Deluxe Edition ($79.99) includes:

• The full game for both PS4 and PS5
• Pre-order bonus items
• Exclusive Darkdale Armor Sets
• Darkdale Blades of Chaos handles
• Digital art book
• Digital soundtrack
• Avatar set

So for $20 more, the Deluxe Edition nets you the game on both platforms, special cosmetics, a digital art book, soundtrack, and avatars.

Evaluating the Extras

As a fellow gamer, I know we want to feel like our money was well spent. So let‘s evaluate if the Deluxe Edition extras add real value:

Dual Platform Access – This is a fantastic perk if you plan to upgrade to PS5 later. You‘ll have the game ready on both consoles.

Armor Sets – The Darkdale cosmetics provide a bold new Nordic look for Kratos and Atreus. However, they offer no gameplay boosts – just visual swag.

Blades of Chaos Handles – More eye-catching cosmetics that don‘t impact stats, but will look glorious in action.

Digital Art Book – Includes developer insights and concept art. These normally retail around $10 so good extra content.

Soundtrack – The soaring God of War musical score is always a treat. Approximately a $10 value.

Avatars – Some exclusive avatars of our heroes. Lower value but still nice collectibles.

Based on typical retail values, you‘re getting about $30-40 worth of additional content and exclusives with the Deluxe. For diehard fans aiming for 100% completion, it seems worthwhile. More casual players may be fine with just the Standard Edition.

PS4 to PS5 Upgrade Details

One important note is that Sony is providing free next-gen upgrades for PS4 owners. This means you can buy the cheaper Standard Edition for PS4 now, and upgrade to the PS5 version later at no extra cost.

However, this only upgrades the base game – not the extra content. You‘d have to re-purchase the game entirely to get the dual platform access perk. So if you definitely want to play on both PS4 and PS5 immediately, the Deluxe may be the way to go.

Tips for Picking the Right Version

Based on my research, here are some tips to help you decide which edition of God of War Ragnarok is the best match:

• If you only have a PS4 currently, the Standard Edition should work since you can upgrade for free down the road.
• If you already own both PS4 and PS5, get the Deluxe for dual access and the bonuses.
• If you‘re an ultra fan who wants every armor set, art, and music, go Deluxe.
• Casual gamers who just want to play the story can opt for Standard.
• See reviews and gameplay first before deciding to be sure. Early impressions are very positive though!
• Mind your budget – Standard still provides the complete experience if money is tight.
• Watch for holiday sales where Deluxe may get discounted. Black Friday is soon!

Don‘t Forget Pre-Order Bonuses

One extra consideration are the pre-order bonuses offered at some retailers:

• Shield Defender Armor Set – Extra protection for tough battles
• Shining Elven Soul Shields – Resistance boost against attacks
• Shining Elven War Handles – Stylish elf-themed Blades hilts

These provide practical boosts in combat and are exclusive to pre-orders. So snagging an edition early, especially the Deluxe, is ideal for fans who want all the best gear, weapons, and cosmetics.

The Consensus: Is Deluxe Worth it?

Based on this detailed comparison, while the Standard Edition delivers the core game, the Digital Deluxe does offer compelling extras for devoted God of War fans.

The bonus armor sets, art book, soundtrack, dual platform access, and pre-order exclusives add exciting value beyond the base experience. For those planning multiple playthroughs and wanting to fully immerse themselves in the Nine Realms, the Deluxe seems worth the splurge. More budget-focused gamers can rest assured the Standard will still provide an absolutely epic adventure.

Hope this friendly guide helped explain the key differences and provided some useful tips for choosing your ideal edition. Let me know if you have any other questions! Whether you go Standard or Deluxe, we‘ll both be enjoying one of the most thrilling games of the year. The wait is finally over…Ragnarok is here!